Duarte school board member resigns

A long-time Duarte Unified School District Board of Education member recently resigned.

Francisco Figueroa, first elected to the board in 1995, was serving as the board's vice-president. His term was set to expire in November 2015.

Figueroa said in a phone interview that he resigned because of additional work commitments as the Latin American sales manager at Chicago-based United Airlines.

"Over the last six months, I have been involved in launching a couple of different projects in Chicago and some of the projects have taken me back to Chicago almost weekly," said Figueroa, 47. "When I reflected on the time commitment and the challenges and the time needed to be an active and productive board member, I felt that I didn't have the time to do that anymore."

Figueroa said he ran for the school board 18 years ago because the district had just under $100 in reserves, aging facilities and lacked long-term planning.

"I think I leave behind a good legacy in the community," he said, noting the district has more than $1 million in reserves, facilities master plans that resulted in the passage of two bond measures and schools that have been recognized as distinguished by the state.

The board is seeking to fill the vacancy by a provisional appointment until the term expires in November 2015.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a Duarte resident and registered to vote.

Applications can be found online at www.duarte.k12.ca.us or at the district office, 1620 Huntington Drive, Duarte, Calif., 91010.

Applications can be returned by Aug. 16 at 4 p.m. to the district office or emailed to Mercedes Ruiz at mruiz@duarte.k12.ca.us.